The ESA GDA programme is poised to expand their suite of tools offered to partner institutions and the development community with the launch of two new cross-cutting tools: the ABC Knowledge Hub (Knowledge Hub) and the Analytics & Processing Platform (APP). Together, these portals will enhance knowledge sharing, capacity development, and streamline data processing, amplifying the overall effectiveness and reach of ESA’s efforts to mainstream the use of EO in development assistance, boosted through the GDA programme.
While each portal plays a distinct role, they share a common purpose: empowering users at all levels, from newcomers to experts, to make effective use of EO resources and capabilities in support of sustainable development worldwide.
The Knowledge Hub has the objective of advancing and building EO knowledge and capacity—particularly addressing needs and priorities of International Financial Institutions (IFIs). This initiative focuses on developing an interactive and comprehensive repository of EO capabilities. The Knowledge Hub serves as a dynamic online environment, designed to be a primary resource for professionals engaged with EO data in development operations. It offers an extensive range of capacity-building resources, including training modules, practical guidelines, and real-world case studies, to support IFIs in building their EO capacity, and integrating EO into their development activities within client states.
Key features of the portal include:
- An extensive library of EO resources along with cost indications available for a selection of EO capabilities.
- Case studies and success stories from diverse development contexts
- A Training Module Assembler for capacity building resources
- Consultation rooms: get instant answers via ChatGDA – an AI-powered customised chatbot -or chat with an EO expert and schedule an e-meeting for tailored support.
Launched alongside the Knowledge Hub, the Analytics & Processing Platform (APP) complements this by offering a scalable, intuitive environment which integrates EO capabilities from a range of activities within GDA and beyond. The APP enables users to run analytical workflows as reusable services that are widely applicable, providing first-hand access to EO insights. It also contributes to capacity development by lowering the technical barriers to EO data processing and facilitating hands-on experience with EO applications. With its user-focused design, the APP offers:
- Pre-configured EO capability widgets for non-technical users
- The Explorer interface for data and result visualisation and contextual analysis
- Integration with JupyterLab and Docker for advanced technical users
- Scalable, reusable analytics workflows adaptable to diverse needs
Initially, five EO capabilities are available through dedicated widgets in the APP: AI Super Resolution, AI Road Extraction, Built-up Area Delineation, EO Time-lapse Generator, and Vegetation Trends. These capabilities are closely integrated across both the APP and the Knowledge Hub, ensuring a seamless user experience. Several topics covered in the Knowledge Hub are directly linked to the corresponding widgets on the APP platform, making it easy for users to transition from learning and guidance to practical, hands-on application.
The APP platform is openly accessible and integrated with the ESA Earth Observation Identity and Access Management (ESA EO IAM) system. All capabilities are available free of charge when run over small areas or with limited data volumes. For users seeking largescale analytics or production, the APP will offer a premium tier at a commercial level and the ESA Network of Resources, along with enhanced user support. New features and EO capabilities will continue to roll out in the coming months, with ongoing efforts to integrate new algorithms from the APEx catalogue as well as internally developed workflows, such as Ground Motion Monitoring and Vessel Detection.
The simultaneous launch of the Knowledge Hub and the APP marks a significant milestone in mainstreaming EO technologies for sustainable development. Both portals are open-source and scalable, designed to support a broad spectrum of users—from international agencies and governments to NGOs and researchers.
Connect with our teams at the Living Planet Symposium
Connect with our teams at LPS next week! Visit us to discover more about the Knowledge Hub and the APP through live demos, presentations, and interactive sessions.
Sunday – 22 June 2025
15:30 – 16:50
Room 0.96/0.97
Hands-On Training
Unlocking Earth Observation Analytics: Hands-on Training with the Global Development Assistance (GDA) Analytical Processing Platform (APP)
Monday – 23 June 2025
09:00 – 10:20 CET Room 1.31/1.32
From Space To Impact
Highlighting Key Elements of EO Integration in the Processes of Operational Development Finance
Tuesday – 24 June 2025
11:30 – 13:00 Hall M1/M2
Trends in Earth Observation Education and Capacity Building
Embracing Emerging Technologies and Open Innovations – PART 1
GDA Knowledge Hub
A Platform To Support Global EO Capacity Building in International Development
13:00 – 13:45 Nexus Agora
IFI Agora
Amplifying Impact through EO Integration in International Development Finance Mechanisms
14:00 – 15:30 & 16:15 – 17:45 Room 1.85/1.86
GDA Session
EO Accelerating Impact in International Development Assistance and Finance
Wednesday – 25 June 2025
17:45 – 18:30 Frontier Agora
FIF Agora –
Accelerating Efforts of Global Climate Finance with EO – How ESA is Partnering with the Multilateral Climate Funds
Thursday – 26 June 2025
16:10 – 16:30 Science for Society Corner at the ESA Booth
Knowledge Hub Demonstration
Friday – 27 June 2025
10:00 – 10:20 EO Arena
Demonstration –
Unlocking the Power of Earth Observation: Global Development Assistance (GDA) Analytical Processing Platform (APP)
